Volkswagen Touran

2003 Geneva Auto Show

Minivans are big in Europe. Big as in popular, not size. Just look at VW's lineup—with the Geneva introduction of the Touran, which joins the Sharan and the Multivan, VW now offers three compact vans. The Touran comes standard with five seats, but seats for seven are optional. The versatile second row features three separate seats that can each be individually slid forward and back, repositioned sideways, folded into a small space, or removed completely. The entirely new running gear layout, comprised of a strut-type front suspension and a four-link system at the rear, works with an electronic stability program (ESP) and a new electro-mechanical power steering system. Three engines will be offered: a 1.6-liter 115-horsepower FSI, a 1.9-liter 100-horsepower TDI, and a 2.0-liter 136-horsepower TDI. A six-speed manual is standard, with the new six-speed direct-shift gearbox (DSG) optional on the TDIs and the six-speed Tiptronic optional on the FSIs. The extensive list of safety equipment includes front and front side airbags, active head restraints for front seats, four-wheel disc brakes, and ESP, which includes ABS, EDS, ASR, and Brake Assist.